Healthy Food Combinations for Better Nutrition

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By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD

You probably always eat certain foods together, like ketchup and fries, or chips and dip. But did you know that combinations of healthy foods can actually work together to boost each other’s benefits? It’s called food synergy, and it’s kind of a 2 + 2 = 5 sort of thing. Fortunately these healthy matchups are both easy and delicious.

One of my favorites is tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). A recent study found the twosome boosts pro-collagen, a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm and youthful. Scientists think that lycopene, an antioxidant in tomatoes is the key — it’s at its highest when tomatoes have been cooked, and olive oil boosts its absorption from your digestive system into your bloodstream.

To take advantage of the effects keep a jar of sundried tomato pesto (which contains both ingredients) in your pantry — it makes a great spread for whole grain crackers or sandwiches and you can toss it with steamed veggies for an easy age defying side dish.